November13,2013

Congressman Smith released the following statement encouraging support for all those affected by the Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda:

“I am very saddened by the destruction and the thousands who have lost their lives from the devastating super typhoon in the Philippines. The United States has provided meaningful aid to the region still thousands remain in need of food and care. It's critical that we continue to coordinate with the Philippines and non-government organizations involved with the relief effort to provide assistance as quickly and effectively as possible. Washington’s Ninth District is home to thousands of Filipino Americans who have loved ones afflicted by the typhoon and its aftermath. I will continue to do all that I can to help in recovery efforts. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this horrible tragedy and their families.”

The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash donations for disaster responses around the world can be found at www.interaction.org.

USAID encourages cash donations because they allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, and warehouse space); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.

More information can be found at:
- The Center for International Disaster Information: www.cidi.org or +1.202.821.1999.
- Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community can be found at www.reliefweb.int.